On this Memorial Day, some great quotes from SecDef James “Mad Dog” Mattis

(National Sentinel) Military: We want to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the men and women of America who are serving, and have served, our nation via military service. And to that end, we thought it would be entirely appropriate to highlight the patriotism, fighting spirit, esprit de corps and American first with some memorable quotes from former Marine four-star and current secretary of defense, James “Mad Dog” Mattis.

As reported by The Daily Caller, Mattis is known for memorable quotes. Actually, he’s known for extremely memorable quotes, and that reputation helps explain why he’s now serving America again in the Trump administration.

He was asked during an interview that aired Sunday on CBS News‘ “Face the Nation” what keeps him up at night?

“Nothing,” a stonefaced Mattis responded. “I keep other people awake at night.”

Here’s the interview:

There is more – much more, as noted by The DC:

“When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look at him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy,” Mattis once said.

“I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes. If you fuck with me, I’ll kill you all,” Mattis told Iraqi leaders during the 2003 invasion.

“Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet,” Mattis was known to tell Marines under his command during the Iraq war.

In his interview with Dickerson, Mattis discussed the U.S. military’s shift in strategy in the fight against ISIS. “Annihilation” rather than “attrition” is the goal now, he said.

More:

— “You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them. Actually it’s quite fun to fight them, you know. It’s a hell of a hoot. It’s fun to shoot some people. I’ll be right up there with you. I like brawling.”

— “That said, there are some assholes in the world that just need to be shot. There are hunters and there are victims. By your discipline, cunning, obedience and alertness, you will decide if you are a hunter or a victim. It’s really a hell of a lot of fun. You’re gonna have a blast out here!

“Mad Dog” delivered this comment during a gathering of 200 Marines.

— “I’m going to plead with you, do not cross us. Because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years.”

Thank you, Gen. Mattis – and thanks to all serving and formerly serving U.S. military personnel. Without you our nation would simply not exist. Enjoy your special day.